SCANDINAVIA

See Snow Now

It’s still the peak period for sampling winter in Scandinavia. Fly there with Scandinavian Airlines (02-645-8200, www.flysas.com/th) at one price of B32,900, roundtrip, excluding taxes and fees. Choose from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Gothenburg or Bergen. Through Mar 31.

CHIANG MAI

Minimalist Sisters

If all you want to do in Chiang Mai is to roam the streets instead of staring out the window of your five-star hotel room, check out 3 Sis Bed and Breakfast (1 Soi 8, Phrapokklao Rd., Prasing, Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-273-243, www.3sisbedandbreakfast.com). Sitting in the heart of the city’s cultural sites, this guesthouse is near the Three Kings’ Monument, Chedi Luang Temple and Sunday Walking Street. Despite its small size (40 rooms), it’s chicly decorated and clean. Through Feb 29, A single room costs B1,000, while doubles go for B1,300. Apart from a comfy bed, each room has air-con, TV, mini fridge, telephone and free internet access.

LOEI

Hidden Gems

The less traveled route of Phu Rue boasts natural charm, cool weather and there are a lot of things to do outdoor. Check out Phu Pha Nam Resort (252 Moo 1, Koaknam, Dansai, 042-892-055/6, www.phuphanamresort.com) sitting 620 meters above sea level and offering activities like kayaking, mountain biking or farm tours. Travel website Wotif.com (www.wotif.com/hotelW48324) offers a standard rate of B2,100, including breakfast. The published rate on their homepage starts at B2,800 with breakfast.

CENTARA HOTELS & RESORTS

Seven-Day Indulgence

If you have a week to spare, check out an Exotic Winter Sun Holiday at Centara Hotels and
Resorts (02-101-1234 ext. 1, www.centarahotelsresorts.com). They offer seven nights’ accommodation, a fruit basket and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, roundtrip airport transfer and a 45-minute spa treatment for one person. Prices range from B21,945 to B211,680, depending on the type of rooms and the property. Choose from resorts in Krabi, Samui and Phuket. Through Mar 31.

RANONG

Our Grand Canyon

Ranong Canyon (Had Sonpan, Muang, Ranong) was once an old mine that is now a beautiful but not very well-known natural tourist attraction. Crowned by a lake famed for its emerald green water and surrounded by high mountains, this site is regularly visited by early birds who flock here to see the mist loft over the water. For more information, call the local TAT office at 077-288-818/9. For accommodation, visit Jansom Hot Spa Hotel (2/10 Moo 1, Bangrin, 077-822-516), where you can take a natural mineral bath then crash for B1,300-1,800, including breakfast.

BANGSAEN

Tide the Knot

Get your mental and physical health in shape in the New Year with the Health Plus Package at The Tide Resort (44/1 Bangsaen Beach 1 Rd., Saensuk, Chonburi, 038-399-200, www.thetide-resort.com). It includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast and a two-and-a-halfhour spa treatment at Samutra Spa and Salon. B5,800. Or enjoy their Suk Jai Package which comprises two nights’ accommodation, buffet breakfast and a dinner for two. B6,300. Jan 7-Mar 31 (not including long weekends).